Cross-sectional survey of sexual health professionals’ experiences and perceptions of the 2022 mpox outbreak in the UK

Abstract

ObjectiveTo understand the experiences and perceptions of sexual health professionals responding to the May 2022 mpox outbreak in the UK.DesignCross-sectional, anonymous, online survey collecting quantitative and qualitative data. Convenience sample recruited via an international network of sexual health and HIV clinicians responding to mpox and promoted through clinical associations and social media. Survey domains included: clinical workload; preparedness, support, and training; safety at work; vaccination; and well-being. Qualitative descriptive analysis of open-text responses was conducted to support interpretation of the quantitative data.ParticipantsParticipants who were employed as sexual health professionals in the UK and had direct clinical experience of mpox were included in the analysis. The survey was completed between 11 August and 31 October 2022 by 139 respondents, the majority of whom were doctors (72.7%), cis-female (70.5%) and White (78.4%).Results70.3% reported that they were required to respond to mpox in addition to their existing clinical responsibilities, with 46.8% working longer hours as a result. In the open-text data, respondents highlighted that workload pressures were exacerbated by a lack of additional funding for mpox, pre-existing pressures on sexual health services, and unrealistic expectations around capacity. 67.6% of respondents reported experiencing negative emotional impact due to their mpox work, with stress (59.0%), fatigue (43.2%) and anxiety (36.0%) being the most common symptoms. 35.8% stated that they were less likely to remain in their profession because of their experiences during the mpox outbreak. In the open-text data, these feelings were ascribed to post-COVID exhaustion, understaffing and frustration among some participants at the handling of the mpox response.ConclusionsThese findings indicate that sexual health services require increased funding and resources, along with evidence-based well-being interventions, to support sexual health professionals’ outbreak preparedness and recovery.

Community led health promotion to counter stigma and increase trust amongst priority populations: lessons from the 2022–2023 UK mpox outbreak

“…Resources are required to match the role community organisations and sexual health services are expected to play. Reports of under-resourcing and poor communication by central agencies placing strain on sexual health services was not unique to the Liverpool context, a 2022 survey of 139 UK sexual health professionals with direct clinical experience of mpox found increased workload pressures were exacerbated by a lack of additional funding for mpox, pre-existing pressures on sexual health services, and unrealistic expectations around capacity, resulting in 67.6% of respondents reporting negative emotional impact due to their mpox work [ 39 ]. Across different contexts, the 2022–2023 mpox outbreak put increased strain on sexual health services, while opportunities to strengthen sexual health service capacity to better meet the health needs of the local community were missed [ 40 ].…”

Monkeypox: re-emerging zoonosis with repercussions on the mental health of the population

“…Así lo reportaron Hayes y colaboradores (15) en 2024 mediante una encuesta transversal de las experiencias y percepciones de los profesionales de la salud sexual sobre el brote de MPX en el Reino Unido. Del total de encuestados un 67,6 % manifestó un impacto emocional negativo, donde el estrés (59,0 %), la fatiga (43,2 %) y la ansiedad (36,0 %) se describieron como los síntomas comunes.…”